Well if Variety is right, I think Sam is done directing Spidey movies.
I mean he is doing a passion project, which I'm very happy about, because it is going back to his roots and Lord knows he needs a break from producer heavy handed-ness. However, they report he is helming the Hobbit directly afterwards, which leaves no room for SM4.
Well it was a helluva run Sam, and I hope you still produce.
I am happy with his three movies, and while I wish he did SM4 and went off on a better note than SM3, I understand him wanting to move on and probably being sick of the restraints I'm sure Ziskin and especially Arad put on him. I think his movies are very well self-contained and if Sony intends to drag the lovestory on for 3 more films, it was a good time to jump ship then. I just look forward to the idea of fans lamenting for "the good ol' Raimi days," when Sony is done with this franchise.
Oh well.